The Estevan Bruins series with the Melfort Mustangs has been suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 virus.
Hockey Canada announced Thursday the 2019-20 season and playoffs for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, have been suspended, effective Friday.
In a news release, the Estevan Bruins said they are in full support with the decision, as the health and safety of their players, staff, volunteers, fans and community are of paramount importance during this unique circumstance with the COVID-19 virus.
Earlier in the day, the Bruins said Game 5 versus Melfort was a go, and the SJHL said the two first round series still going were also still happening.
The Bruins say they will provide updates to fans as they become available.
Melfort leads the best of seven series 3-1.
The Bruins were on the road to Melfort when they found out Game 5 had been postponed. They were about 90 minutes outside of Melfort when they were notified, and had to return to Estevan.
As for other playoffs that hockey teams in the Estevan area, the Estevan Minor Hockey Association sent out a tweet Thursday night saying all minor hockey has been suspended as of midnight tonight until further notice.
"Precautions are taken for the safety of players, staff, fans and all involved," the tweet said.
The EMHA says it will update the public as more information is given.
The Saskatchewan Hockey Association said it agreed with Hockey Canada that the health and safety of everyone connected to all sports is what their focus needs to be at this time.
"Saskatchewan Hockey Association programming in the areas of SHA Provincial Playoffs, Sask. First Female Futures, Sask First Female Jamborees, Sask First Female and Sask First Midget Tournaments are officially cancelled. The SHA staff will make the appropriate refunds to families registered for those programs."
There will be plans made for those programs that extend into next season and the selection and evaluation of provincial teams, however, it will take some time to determine how those plans look like given the world's landscape.
The Mercury will have more details as they become available.
